IBSD hosts genomics & transcriptomics programme for bio-resource growth
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 04 2024: Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) organised a programme titled "Connecting Genomics and Transcriptomics for the Development of Bio-resources" at its headquarters, here, on Friday with participation of experts from the held of genomics and bio- resources to explore the potential of integrating genomics and transcriptomics for the sustainable development of bio-resources in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India.

Inaugurating the programme, director Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee highlighted IBSD's initiatives for the development of genomic resources and efforts in cataloguing the rich microbial diversity and medicinal plants endemic to the NER along with informing that IBSD houses an extensive repository of microbial cultures, sourced from the unique biodiversity of the region, which offers promising prospects for bio-manufacturing and bio-economic growth.

He stressed that the NER's microbial arid plant diversity holds great potential for innovations in bio-economy, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research.

In his address, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG) director Dr Sagar Sengupta underscored the critical role of genomics in harnessing the biodiversity of the NER and opined that collaboration between IBSD and NIBMG could accelerate advancements in metagenome sequencing and microbial analysis.

Dr Sengupta also assured NIB-MG's commitment to provide full support in training and developing human resources skilled in data analysis and genomic studies.

Addressing the participants, National Law University, Shillong vice-chancellor Prof Indrajit Dube highlighted the importance of integrating legal research with bio-resource development.

He pointed out that documentation and protection of traditional knowledge related to bio-re-sources must be considered from a regulatory perspective to ensure the sustainable development of the biO-economy.

Prof Dube also called for greater collaboration between legal scholars and scientists to safeguard the region's bio-resources while fostering innovation and industrial growth.

In a statement, IBSD informed that it operates under the department of biotechnology, Government of India, and is the only institute within the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) in the NER.

It focuses on documenting bio-resources and conducting integrated studies to scientifically validate, add value to, and promote innovations derived from the region s rich biodiversity.

One of its major initiatives is the Phytopharmaceutical Mission of the North Eastern Region, where IBSD is engaged in the ethno-botanical and ethno-pharmacological study of medicinal plants.

This programme involves the cultivation, promotion, and chemical profiling of these plants, as well as the support of startups focused on developing herbal medicinal products, the statement said.

It further informed that the institute is extensively exploring the microbial resources from diverse ecological niches in the NER, such as cave ecosystems, forests, hot springs, limestone deposits, and high-altitude regions.

The microbial repository at IBSD in Imphal is considered a national treasure, with its collection offering promising leads for new drug discoveries, especially in the area of AMR research.

The institute is actively studying wild edible mushrooms from the NER for their potential in nutraceuticals and AMR applications, and has documented traditional knowledge surrounding the region's fermented foods.

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